By HAN News Desk
PARIS — Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, on the sidelines of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum, a major international gathering focused on global governance, peace, and sustainable development.
According to the French presidency, the meeting centered on strengthening Ghana–France relations, particularly in the fields of maritime security, economic cooperation, education, and digital innovation. The two leaders also discussed ongoing regional efforts to restore stability in West Africa, a region shaken by multiple coups and rising violent extremism in recent years.
President Mahama emphasized Ghana’s strategic position as a gateway to West Africa and a bridge between Africa and Europe. “Our relationship with France must be based on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and transparent cooperation,” Mahama reportedly said, reiterating Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance and regional stability.
France, under President Macron, has sought to “recalibrate” its Africa policy following a wave of anti-French sentiment across the Sahel, where countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have severed military ties with Paris and expelled French troops. The shift has forced France to explore new partnerships with democratic and economically stable nations like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
The talks also addressed the controversial topic of reparations for slavery and colonial injustices—an issue gaining traction in Africa and the Caribbean. Ghana, home to several historic slave ports, has become an active voice in global reparations advocacy.
Political observers say the meeting symbolizes France’s recognition of Ghana’s growing diplomatic weight. “Ghana stands out as a stable democracy at a time when much of West Africa is in turmoil,” said Dr. Kwame Mensah, a political analyst at the University of Ghana. “This gives Mahama an opportunity to shape Africa–Europe relations on fairer terms.”
Despite France’s efforts to reset its image, skepticism persists among African publics. Critics argue that France’s economic influence and historical role in former colonies continue to fuel resentment. As one Ghanaian commentator put it, “France wants to rebrand, but it must first reckon with its past.”
The Paris meeting concluded with a pledge to deepen economic ties, promote youth innovation programs, and expand cooperation in maritime surveillance to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
